jace

As you point out it is by Switch Mode which improves the situation somewhat, there are however other caveats namely interference and of course the good old CE marking neither of which is mentioned.   I prefer intelligent glow units such as the  South Herts Models one that senses the plug temp rather than simply switching on at set throttle or switch positions. The South Herts Models one is cheaper and in my mind does a better job, the downside (some may view it as such) being it needs a seperate battery.   I have no connection with South Herts Models other than being a satisfied customer BTW.   Regards - John

Is it just me or has Graham missed a major problem here? Reading the review theres conflicting information 'takes just 2.2mA for every 5 seconds of glow that it provides. In real terms, even if it takes you 10 seconds to get your model started, you'll lose just 22mA' Which is it, 22ma for 10 or 2.2 for 5? Surely if it's 2.2 for 5 then it would be 4.4 for 10 seconds etc. The other point and I feel this is a real danger is that passing the glow current through the switch harness is not a good thing to do and could present real danger causing Rx resets etc. I assume that the system works by PWM meaning that the current flow will be much higher for a short space of time. A typical plug taking 3 amps at 1.2v will take 12 amps for a shorter time.   These sort of current pulses will not help the Rx system at all, this one definately is not for me.   John

Oops, sorry chaps, nostalgia...... not what it used to be J

That was around the time when I used to visit, I seem to recall the winchman was a polish guy and at the end of the day he used to get a flight in his ancient krajinach. No matter how good you were you could never get higher than him on the ridge, Lord knows how he did it but every time he was there looking down on you.  J

Mike your help much appreciated, in pure terms I agree with you BUT the gaffers want it different. A guy that I shared a pirat with went to Lasham as an instructor I think 'Dinsdale' ?, I spent most of my holidays at Sutton Bank and Portmoak (Brilliant). Really miss my gliding, 50p for a launch and gone for the day (if I got it right!), my best every being a cable break at 300' and getting away from it for 9 hours! Thanks for your help and encouragement, I really appreciate it. If you can think up a few questions from the book I'll gladly add them and acknowledge you.  Regards - John

Hi, Thanks for your input, I have looked at the question concerned:- 'What control checks must be made immediately before takeoff? > Check controls move in the right direction >Final check under full power during takeoff roll >Check controls move smoothly (if some of them are a little jittery this is ok, it normally clears after take off). > Check controls move smoothly I ommited the select all that apply during the question so in one respect there is more than one answer. Common sense should rule out 2 of them, would you really try all the controls during full power in the takeoff roll? And id a surface was jittery would you fly? Thanks for your feedback, the question will be ammended. Regards - John

I am well versed in primary and secondary effects of controls with 1000 hours on gliders and 1200 hours on light aircraft. Unfortunately the modelling fraternety don't seem bothered about these effects unless theyre pattern ship flyers. I witnessed someone take off and yell he hadn't got control, a ran across he had everything but aileron and was rapidly losing his model. The box was shoved into my hand I flew the circuit using rudder for direction, he was gobsmacked. He had a 'B' and had never thought of using rudder other than stall turns and taxying! I still maintain that with nothing else changed other than elevator, it will affect pitch and speed, the question did come from an ACE so who am I to argue??  Regards - J

Hi, The questions can be accessed from the front page of the website www.bmfamid.co.uk PM Sent with contact deatails etc. Regards - John

When you get your result at the end, if you look at the bar above the pass / fail message you will see a magnifying glass. Click on the glass and then you can step back through the questions. Your answers are ticked and the correct answers have green animated arrows.  Regards - John

Any chance of a bit of publicity in the mag AND make the offer that any club or organisation that wants it I will supply F.O.C. customised with their logos and local questions? I feel this aspect is pretty much overlooked and takes a back burner when it comes to flying, many people have had a go (21,000 tests done now in 11 days), people are reading books, asking questions etc which can only help the sport. Many people have already passed their 'A' or 'B' but are still having a go!  Regards - John (Educational Coordinator - BMFA Midland Region)

The manual can be downloaded from www.bmfa.org LowNFast wrote (see) Fortunately, prop hanging is not part of the 'A' or 'B' test so not really relevant, to be really picky I would disagree with you anyway. If the aircraft was in a stable  prop hang and you pushed down elevator, the aircraft would gain forward speed and the pitch would have changed. Thanks for the feedback though. Regards - John

Well done that man and thanks for the feedback. If anyone has any suitable questions, I'd appreciate them and all acknowledgements will be given.  Regards - J

Hi Guys, It's me that devised and hosts the tests on behalf of BMFA Midland Area. The aim of them is to get people reading the book and improving their knowledge. When complete, they will be avaliable to all clubs and relevant organisations, customised with local rules questions and club logos on the opening page. They can be run on CD or hosted on the web, printed versions are available too.  In answer to one of the challenges props too small why would you not use them? If you consider one thats way too small and thats what it's aiming at. So assume a prop for a 36 was fiited to a 120, the hub would be weakened by a large hole for the crank. When running thats a good chance it would overspeed killing the engine or worse, a blade let go. Too large, the engine would be down on power, ground clearance may be compromised resulting in take off with a prop that was damaged during take off. I hope people are finding them usefull, 'B' test questions imminent. Regards - John